The Iranian government has announced an immediate ban on the export of all food and agricultural products as its conflict with Israel and the United States enters its fourth day.

The move has sent shockwaves through global commodity markets, threatening to disrupt one of the world’s most critical fertiliser production and shipping hubs. 

According to reports from FarmerProgress, the escalating war risks a sharp spike in crop input costs and global food inflation. 

The Strait of Hormuz, currently at the centre of the tensions, handles approximately one-third of the global trade in crop nutrients.

The timing of the ban is particularly devastating for Nigeria. Data from the United Nations COMTRADE database shows that Iran exported fertilisers worth $169.11 million to Nigeria in 2022. 

With Nigeria having imported 560,000 metric tons in 2025 and projections rising for 2026, the sudden halt in Iranian supply creates a massive deficit just as the wet season farming cycle begins.

“The timing is crucial because farmers are already preparing to commence farming activities,” noted John Anana, Chief Executive of Jeffy Farms.

The ripple effects are already visible. Prices for granular urea in Egypt have jumped by $60 per metric ton as buyers scramble for alternative supplies from North Africa and Southeast Asia. 

With nearly 45% of global urea shipments originating from facilities across the Persian Gulf, experts warn that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could lead to record-high fertiliser prices and, ultimately, a significant increase in the cost of food staples across West Africa.

Source: Business Day